Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, during the launch of the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2024–25, outlined the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in shaping the country's economic landscape. He emphasized that CPEC continues to foster regional integration, drive transport infrastructure, and support strategic development initiatives.
The finance minister highlighted a projected GDP growth of 2.7% for the fiscal year while announcing that eight major transport infrastructure projects under CPEC, valued at $6.7 billion, have been successfully completed. These include the construction of 888 kilometres of motorways and highways, while 853 more kilometres are currently under development with domestic funding support.
Among the most notable achievements is the 120-km Havelian-Thakot section of the Karakoram Highway, an award-winning project recognized globally. Other completed segments include the 392-km Multan-Sukkur Motorway, 297-km Hakla-DI Khan Motorway, and the 110-km Khuzdar-Basima Highway, all contributing to enhanced domestic and regional connectivity.
Inflation for the year stood at 4.6%, reflecting efforts towards economic stabilization amid ongoing development. The government remains committed to GDP stabilization while accelerating progress in trade infrastructure and connectivity.
Further, the PES shed light on advancements in digital and urban development, such as the completion of the cross-border optical fiber cable and Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train. Gwadar's air connectivity has seen a boost with the operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport.
Momentum continues with ongoing projects like Zhob-Kuchlak, Nokundi-Mashkhel, and Awaran-Khuzdar highways, alongside feasibility studies for Babusar Tunnel and the Mirpur-Muzaffarabad-Mansehra corridor. The Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project remains under financial and technical consultation, while the framework for the Karachi Circular Railway has been shared with China.
Gwadar Port’s development is a significant highlight, with over $50 million invested by China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) since 2013. A 60-acre pilot zone within the Gwadar Free Zone is operational, supporting sectors such as finance, manufacturing, fisheries, and logistics. COPHCL plans to invest a total of $250 million, with master planning and feasibility completed for a larger 2,281-acre Free Zone.
To attract investment, Pakistan is offering a 23-year tax holiday, complete foreign ownership, and streamlined one-window operations. Additionally, Gwadar’s growing needs are being met with a 1.2 million-gallon-per-day desalination plant completed under China's socioeconomic assistance, addressing water scarcity in the port and Free Zone area.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2024–25, further allocations have been made for infrastructure in Gwadar, including housing, land acquisition, and the East Bay Expressway Phase-II, reaffirming the government's commitment to transforming Gwadar into a regional trade and logistics hub.